How to get, and take care of a Yorkie
Yorkies are sometimes frail, and they have skin and bowel issues somewhat regularly, but there may be ways to avoid this if you start from the get-go.
Pick a Yorkie that is perhaps the LARGEST in the litter, or find a breeder of a little bit more “stocky“ Yorkshire terrier. People want the runt, or the tiny Yorkies and they are frail.
Take care of their teeth from the start. I recommend starting them out (and keeping them on) “Himalayan puffs“ and instructions on how to make those are at my website. It’s not something I sell.
https://drjohnson.com/himmypuffs/
If they chew those Himalayan puffs from an early age, they will NEVER need a dental, they will NEVER lose a tooth. They will NEVER get a heart murmur from infected teeth.
STEEL yourself never to give a Yorkshire terrier “people food” or anything other than DRY dog food. If you switch to canned food, they will like it more, BUT obesity soon follows and worse: their teeth will suffer. And bowel issues may manifest more easily.
Maintain a LOW body weight, and their common knee problems will not be a “Thing “ for them.
You can help avoid hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) in Yorkshire terriers by maintaining a healthy diet, using only vegetables and Himalayan puffs as treats, maintaining a low body weight, and keeping their teeth healthy. Purchasing a stronger puppy also set you up for success. https://drjohnson.com/hge/
If you are an older dog lover, here’s what’s important: Get a puppy and maintain it in such a way that if, for some reason, you’re unable to stay on as caregiver for the dog, people around you (Family or friends) will want your companion because it is healthy and vibrant. They don’t want your “problems”. And your dog may end up without a home if it is a man-made pile of diarrhea, stinky breath, and obesity.
Older dog lovers, at or more than retirement age, are facing a beautiful, but sometimes very stressful, sad and even lonely period of their lives. There is research to suggest that the companionship of a dog, especially one of an easier, diminutive size, are actually supportive to better health and better mindset in the retiree.
I like the Yorkie breed. They are often very kind and calm. And if you keep them properly, they can be robust, healthy, and relatively free of problems.
Long Term Success With Yorkies
- Pick a strong one
- Himalayan Puffs to keep teeth healthy
- Dry food without grain or chicken to avoid HGE
- No table food or fatty treats
- Carrots, Himalayan puff shards, or broccoli for treats
- Low body weight – For knees, heart, and bowel.
